A veteran at 27, Tweddle’s determination took British gymnastics from laughing stock to the elite level

Beth Tweddle actually intended to give up gymnastics six years ago. When she
missed that appointment, she rehashed her life plan and resolved that her
swansong would be in London, although not at the Olympic Games but at the
World Championships staged in the O2 arena three years ago.

However, those World Championships went so well that she decided that she had
to go to the Games. It was a smart decision.

Tweddle’s longevity is one of many aspects that make her stand out. Female
gymnasts tend to win medals when they are very young; the Chinese tend to
select